You started up a restaurant to make money, which means you need to find ways to save money in every part of your business while not letting the quality of your food and service suffer. One area where your restaurant service is most likely to find some savings every year is with energy use. Here are five energy saving tips for every commercial restaurant.

1. Always Turn Off Equipment at NightUnless your business is open 24 hours a day, there is no need for burners to be lit and lights to be left on once the doors are locked. Every piece of equipment and light that can be shut off should be turned off before the last person leaves for the night. Doing this alone can save you thousands of dollars each year. But remember, some equipment like a freezer should be kept on so food doesn't spoil.

2. Never, Ever Block Air FlowFor any of your equipment that has a compressor or vent, you need to keep the space around the vent clear. If you block air flow with boxes or other equipment, the machine has to work even harder for normal function. Not only does this cost more in energy, but it’s also likely to make your equipment break down prematurely.

4. Train Your Employees to ConserveThe more knowledge your employees have, the more likely they are to instinctively do those things that will save your restaurant money. Make energy conservation training part of the new employee orientation so they learn good habits from the get-go. It's also a good idea to train your employees to turn equipment on only when needed. Some equipment doesn't need to be left on for hours to warm up.

5. Maintain Your EquipmentIf you take good care of your equipment, your equipment will take good care of you. Have your appliances inspected and serviced regularly to help them last longer. This helps you make sure they are running efficiently, and you save money over purchasing new equipment constantly. Contact CASCO for more restaurant service information, or follow us on Facebook or Google+ for other tips and tricks.